Sermon Notes - 2025
“THE TRUE MESSAGE OF CHRISTMAS”
LUKE 2:1-20
INTRO: During Christmas time of the year, greeting card companies make BILLIONS OF DOLLARS on
Christmas cards that are peppered with all sorts of messages. The first known Christmas card was sent by
Michael Maier of England to King James I and His son Henry Frederick, the Prince of Wales in 1611. It said: “A
GREETING ON THE BIRTHDAY OF THE SACRED KING, TO THE MOST WORSHIPFUL AND ENERGETIC LORD
AND MOST EMINENT JAMES, KING OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND, WITH A GESTURE OF JOYFUL
CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTHDAY OF THE LORD.” The first known commercial Christmas Card was
commissioned by Sir Henry Cole and designed by John Callcott Horsley in London in 1843 that pictured three
generations of a family sitting at a table eating a meal with the words saying: “A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A
HAPPY NEW YEAR.”
A Christmas Sermon by Pastor Gary Dull
A PRACTICAL FOCUS ON THE INCARNATION OF JESUS CHRIST
“A PRACTICAL FOCUS ON THE INCARNATION OF JESUS CHRIST”
MATTHEW 1:18-25
INTRO: Christmas is the time of year that brings out different emotions to different people. To many, it is a time
of joy and happiness as they focus on what the season is all about. To some it is a time of sorrow and
depression as they focus on former disappointing Christmas experiences. To secularists, those who do not
know the Lord, it is just a time of parties and events that have no true connection to the biblical meaning of
the season. To those who know and love the Lord Jesus Christ, Christmas is a time of worship and praise as
they consider the true meaning of the season that results in great joy and peace in their lives. And so, we can
say that there are many who celebrate Christmas around the world with various attitudes and actions, but, in
truth, some really miss the spiritual significance of the season altogether. For those of us who know and love
the Lord, Christmas can be a time of spiritual renewal and worship of our Great God if our focus is correct. (My
home pastor, Philip Horne, always scheduled church revival services around the Christmas season to aid in
the proper focus on Christ). So today, with the intent of aiding us in having a biblical response to Christmas,
let’s take some time to focus on the incarnation of Jesus Christ from the biblical perspective, so as to enhance
our appreciation of all that God has done for us through the great miracle of the human birth of Jesus Christ.
Perhaps in doing so, true spiritual revival will come to our hearts today.
Sermon preached on 12/7/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
REMEMBERING CHRIST AT CHRISTMAS
“REMEMBERING CHRIST AT CHRISTMAS”
GALATIANS 4:1-5
TEXT: VSS. 4,5
INTRO: Christmas is a very special time on the Christian calendar. It is the time when Christian believers all
around the world celebrate the INCARNATION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. In the BIBLICAL
CONTEXT of celebrating the incarnation of Jesus Christ, Christmas should be a very spiritual time of reflection,
praise, and dedication to the mission of Christ by all true Christians. AND YET, with many, including some
Christians, Christmas has just become another secular holiday with an emphasis on big business, shopping,
Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, snowmen, parties and materialism to the point that to many, the reality of Jesus
Christ and what He come into the world to do is either avoided, neglected or not even considered. BUT
CHRISTMAS IS A TIME WHEN WE WHO KNOW THE LORD WOULD BENEFIT FROM FOCUSING ON AND
REMEMBERING CERTAIN THINGS ABOUT THE INCARNATION OF JESUS CHRIST THAT WOULD ENHANCE
OUR WALK WITH HIM AS WELL AS EXALT HIM FOR ALL THAT HE HAS DONE FOR US.
Sermon preached on 11/30/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
“THANKSGIVING – MORE THAN A HOLIDAY"
“THANKSGIVING – MORE THAN A HOLIDAY”
Psalm 100:1-5
INTRO: Thanksgiving Day is a special time for us here in America. It dates back to 1621 when the Plymouth Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indian Tribe shared a HARVEST FEAST, thanking God for His provision and care. The holiday did not become a national observance until President Abraham Lincoln established it as a national holiday in 1863. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill officially designating the FOURTH THURSDAY OF NOVEMBER as THANKSGIVING DAY that has been celebrated ever since. Personally, THANKSGIVING is one of my favorite holidays. But for the true Christian, THANKSGIVING IS TO BE MORE THAN JUST A ONE DAY OF THE YEAR HOLIDAY. THANKSGIVING TO GOD IS TO BE A CONVICTION, AN ACT OF OBEDIENCE AND A REGULAR EXPRESSION OF PRAISE FOR THE TRUE CHILD OF GOD.
Sermon preached on 11/26/25 Thanksgiving Service by Pastor Gary Dull
THE BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE VICTOROIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE
“THE BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE VICTORIOUS
CHRISTIAN LIFE”
GALATIANS 5:18-25
INTRO: For the last couple of weeks, we have been studying CERTAINTIES FOR VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIVING. This is of EXTREME IMPORTANCE because many Christians struggle with living the VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE AND CONSEQUENTLY MANY CHRISTIANS LIVE SPIRITUALLY DEFEATED. As we have studied, THE VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE IS ONE IN WHICH A BORN-AGAIN CHILD OF GOD IS LIVING IN OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD BY MEANS OF THE POWER SUPPLIED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD TO DO THE WILL OF GOD. FOR THE VICTORORIOUS CHRISTIAN, SIN IS VERY MUCH THE EXCEPTION RATHER THAN THE RULE IN DAILY LIVING! At the end of our last study, we introduced THE BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE from Galatians 5:18-25 that we should go back and study in a more complete fashion. So, let’s do so in today’s study so that all of us who know the Lord can apply the necessary biblical principles to live the VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE AS GOD DESIRES.
Sermon preached on 11/2/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
CERTAINTIES FOR VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIVING
“CERTAINTIES FOR VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIVING”
INTRO: Over my many years of ministry I have had people approach me with this question: “HOW CAN I LIVE VICTORIOUSLY FOR THE LORD?” That is a very good question we all should ask from the day we are saved. Many believers have asked that question, learned the answer and consequently have lived victoriously for the Lord. On the other hand, many Christians struggle with living VICTORIOUSLY FOR THE LORD because either they have never seriously considered how to do so, or they have not applied biblical teaching on how to do so.
Sermon preached on 10/19/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE BIBLE
“THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE BIBLE”
INTRO: A reading of the history of America will reveal that our nation was founded on Biblical principles. A study of the United States Constitution will reveal the many biblical principles that are incorporated in that document that laid the foundation for God’s blessing on the growth of America. Unfortunately, in recent years, going back to 1962 and 1963 when the Bible was effectively banned from the public schools in America, our nation, and many of the people of our nation have deserted the reading, the studying, the promoting and living according to the Word of God. BUT THERE IS A GROWING MOVEMENT TO BRING THE WORD OF GOD BACK INTO THE PUBLIC SQUARE BY DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 12TH AS THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE BIBLE.
Sermon preached on 9/7/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
THE SPIRITUAL SERVICE OF THE CHRISTIAN
INTRO: What a joy it is to see a person receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. I never get tired of seeing a person make the decision to call upon the name of the Lord to be saved. And I trust that each of you have the frequent joy of seeing someone trust Christ through your personal ministry to them, as we are all called to be AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST and SOUL WINNERS FOR THE LORD. But one thing that has amazed me down through the years is that at times a person will make a profession of faith and then go on to have a life of faithfulness and fruitfulness for the Lord. But on the other hand, at times a person will make a profession of faith and hardly ever progress in their Christian life and service at all.
Sermon preached on 8/17/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
A CHANGE THAT ONLY GOD CAN MAKE
“A CHANGE THAT ONLY GOD CAN MAKE”
EPHESIANS 2:1-10
INTRO: All of the Bible from Genesis 1:1 through and including Revelation 22:21 is the INSPIRED
WORD OF GOD with every verse being FULLY AND COMPLETELY WHAT GOD WANTS IT TO BE FOR
OUR LEARNING. But all throughout the pages of scripture we find what I often refer to as CLASSIC
TEXTS of chapters or verses that portray tremendous truths for us to know, understand, and apply.
One of those classic texts is Ephesians 2:1-10 because within those 10 verses is tremendous.
teaching concerning the SINFUL DEPRAVITY OF MANKIND AND THE WORK OF GOD THAT ENABLES
PEOPLE TO BE CHANGED FROM SPIRITUAL DEATH TO SPIRITUAL LIFE AND ON TO GREAT SERVICE
FOR GOD THROUGH THE WORK OF JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS.
Sermon preached on 8/10/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
THE MARKS OF A GREAT CHURCH
“THE MARKS OF A GREAT CHURCH”
ACTS 2:22-24;32-47
INTRO: Back on June 1st, one of our supported missionaries, Tom Wallace, was with us to update us on his ministry
on reaching Muslims for Christ. As he began, you might recall that he thanked us for being a “GREAT CHURCH.”
When he said that, in my mind I asked myself why he said that. I did not personally ask him, but ever since he said
it, I have been thinking upon that statement. THE QUESTION IS: IS THE FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH OF ALTOONA
REALLY A GREAT CHURCH? That is a question that each of us should consider. And the answer to the question
should not depend upon what we personally think, or how we compare to other local churches, but rather, THE
PRINCIPLES THAT ARE BROUGHT OUT IN THE WORD OF GOD. But for a short moment, HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE
A GREAT CHURCH?
● One with large, beautiful facilities?
● One with a large budget?
● One with hundreds or thousands attending?
● One with many ministries?
● One with a good reputation in the community?
Sermon preached on 8/3/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
A Cry For Help
“A CRY FOR HELP”
PSALM 30:1-12
TEXT: VERSE 10
“HEAR O LORD, AND HAVE MERCY UPON ME: LORD, BE THOU MY HELPER.”
INTRO: One thing that is common to every human being is that from time to time we face trouble. Sometimes that trouble is physical, sometimes it is spiritual, sometimes it is financial, sometimes it is personal, sometimes it is interpersonal. BUT FACING TROUBLE IS A MATTER OF LIFE. A study once conducted by Harvard University stated that “EVERY PERSON WILL FACE MULTIPLE TRAUMATIC SITUATIONS DURING THE TIME OF THEIR LIFE.” (I am not sure it took an academic study to come to that conclusion). EVERY PROBLEM WE FACE HAS A SPIRITUAL CONNECTION. BUT THE FACT REMAINS, WE ALL HAVE AND WILL FACE TROUBLES IN LIFE WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED
Sermon preached on 7/27/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
THE MAKING OF A GREAT NATION
“THE MAKING OF A GREAT NATION”
PROVERBS 14:24
INTRO: As we celebrate the 249th birthday of our nation, we would be amiss if we did not remember what God did to craft a unique nation on the North American Continent. God worked through people, conditions, and situations to build a nation that has been a bastion of truth and freedom for the entire world. There are TEN IMPORTANT THINGS every Christian ought to know about God’s hand in the founding of America.
Sermon preached on 7/6/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
COMMITMENT TO THE CHURCH
“COMMITMENT TO THE CHURCH’'
MATTHEW 16:13-20
INTRO: From the biblical perspective, THE GREATEST INSTITUTION ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH IS THE CHURCH
OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. Every born again believer is a part of the CHURCH and yet we often fail to realize
HOW SIGNIFICANT THE CHURCH IS IN GOD’S PLAN AND PROGRAM FOR THIS DISPENSATION OF GRACE.
Because of that there are many Christians who fail to be committed to the church of God to the degree that
Christ desires. Consequently, the respect for and the ministry of the church is not to the level that God would have
it to be. Therefore, in this study, we are going to take a closer look at the church as revealed in the Word of God with
the prayer that each of us will grow in our understanding of and commitment to THE GREATEST INSTITUTION ON
THE FACE OF THE EARTH.
Sermon preached on 6/29/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
GOD’S WORK THROUGH AND FOR THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL
“GOD’S WORK THROUGH AND FOR THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL”
ROMANS 11:25-36
INTRO: In recent days we have been hearing a lot in in the news about the Nation of Israel that is in conflict with Iran. Hearing about Israel’s battles is not really new because ever since they became a Bonafide nation in 1948, when Harry S. Truman was the US president, other nations have been trying to destroy them. Those wars that many of us can remember include:
1) The War for Independence – 1948-49
2) The Suez Crisis – 1956
3) The Six Day War – 1967
4) The Yom Kippor War - 1973
5) The War with Lebanon – 1982
6) The 2nd War with Lebanon – 2006
7) The War with Hamas and Iran – 2023 to the present
Sermon preached on 6/15/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER
“OUR HEAVENLY FATHER”
MATTHEW 6:1-15
INTRO: FATHER’S DAY is a very special time for those of us who have had GODLY FATHERS in our
lives. It is a time for us to thank and praise God for giving us fathers who respect and serve Him as
well to challenge us all as fathers to maintain the type of fatherhood that is GOD HONORING. I have
been preaching FATHER’S DAY sermons for over 50 years always exhorting us as fathers to be the
dads God wants us to be. But today the Lord has led me in a different direction in that we are going
to take a look at OUR HEAVENLY FATHER as He is revealed in what we call THE LORD’S PRAYER in
Matthew 6:1-15.
Sermon preached on 6/15/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
A BASIC SURVEY OF BIBLICAL NEW TESTAMENT MISSIONS
“A BASIC SURVEY OF BIBLICAL NEW TESTAMENT MISSIONS”
ACTS 13:1-5
I. THE MEANING OF MISSIONS
II. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MISSIONS
III. THE AGENTS OF MISSIONS
IV. THE RESULT OF MISSIONS
V. THE NEGLECT OF MISSIONS
VI. THE PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT IN MISSIONS
VII. THE PERSONAL CALL TO MISSIONS
Sermon preached on 6/8/25 PM by Pastor Gary Dull
THE REALITY OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
“THE REALITY OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST”
ACTS 2:38-47
INTRO: One event that is common to all humanity world-wide is the CELEBRATION OF BIRTHDAYS. The YOUNGER
we are the MORE we enjoy our birthdays. Bu, the OLDER we are, the MORE we resist our birthdays. Today is a special
day in the life of the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST as it is PENTECOST SUNDAY – THE HISTORIC BIRTHDAY OF THE
CHURCH.
Sermon preached on 6/8/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
REMEMBERING THE FAITHFUL
“REMEMBERING THE FAITHFUL”
JOHN 15;1-14
TEXT: VERSE 13
“GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.”
INTRO: This is MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND in America when millions of people will be gathering for picnics, parades,
and various festivities and yet in doing so, many will not take into consideration the depth of the significance of the
holiday we are celebrating. MEMORIAL DAY is one of several PATRIOTIC HOLIDAYS for us in America when focus on
the BLESSINGS OF GOD IN AMERICA AND HOW HE USED MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE TO BRING OUR NATION
TOGETHER. This weekend in particular, we will focus on those in the ARMED FORCES who gave their lives for our
freedoms (THE HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY). My title for today’s message is “REMEMBERING THE FAITHFUL” in
which we will focus, not just on those who gave their lives for the freedoms of our nation, but on others who gave
their lives for the spiritual freedom of many, including our LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. Our scriptural text is
John 15:13 that says, “GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS
FRIENDS.”
Sermon preached on 5/25/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
BURDEN BEARING IN THE FAMILY OF GOD
“BURDEN BEARING IN THE FAMILY OF GOD”
GALATIANS 6:1-5
INTRO: The family of God is the MOST UNIQUE ENTITY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH. It would take all day to explain
that statement but consider just a few elements of the FAMILY OF GOD.
● We are all spiritually cleansed by the Blood of Jesus Christ.
● We are all bound for an eternity with Christ in Heaven.
● We are made up of people from all races, nationalities, and cultures.
● We are all indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
● We all have direct access into the presence of God.
Sermon preached on 5/18/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
THE VALUE OF MISSIONS
“THE VALUE OF MISSIONS”
ACTS 1:8; 8:4; 13:1-3; 14:21-23; COLOSSIANS 1:3-6,23
WHAT IS MISSIONS? MISSIONS IS THE ACTION OF THE LOCAL CHURCH SENDING FORTH THOSE INDIVIDUALS CALLED BY GOD TO GO HOLY SPIRIT DIRECTED LOCATIONS TO DO THE WORK OF EVANGELISM, CHURCH PLANTING AND DISCIPLESHIP.
Sermon preached on 5/11/25 PM by Pastor Gary Dull
THE WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD
“THE WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD”
PROVERBS 31:30,31
INTRO: Mother’s Day is always a special time of the year for us here in America as well as in the church. What a
blessing it is to focus on Godly mothers and give them special respect and recognition for their walk with and
service unto the Lord. Personally, I am very thankful for the grandmothers and mothers God placed into my life:
Sermon preached on 5/11/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
GO FOR CHRIST
“GO FOR CHRIST”
MARK 16:15
Sermon preached on 5/4/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
MISSIONS: THE MESSAGE OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST
“MISSIONS: THE MESSAGE OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST”
MATTHEW 28:1-20
INTRO: April is MISSIONS MONTH FOR US here at FBC and it is also the month in which EASTER FALLS
this year which is very appropriate. I say that because the RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST IS THE
VERY HEART OF THE MESSAGE OF MISSIONS. Because Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and is alive
forevermore, all who trust Him as their personal SAVIOR will experience the forgiveness of sins and
everlasting life with HIM in Heaven, and as Christians we have the GREAT HONOR AND PRIVILEGE to
proclaim the reality of CHRIST’S RESURRECTION to the WHOLE WORLD. Today as we are focusing on the
RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD, let us also look at the MISSIONAL ASPECT OF
THAT REALITY and recognize that the very center thrust of missions is that JESUS CHRIST IS NO LONGER
IN THE GRAVE, BUT IS ALIVE AND OFFERS NEW AND ETERNAL LIFE TO ALL WHO CALL UPON HIS
NAME.
Sermon preached on 4/20/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
MISSIONS – THE MINISTRY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH
“MISSIONS – THE MINISTRY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH”
ACTS 1:1-14
INTRO: Most people who have been brought up in a BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCH are familiar with the
word “MISSIONS.” And yet, if you were to ask most of those same people to define MISSIONS or to
state the EFFECTUAL PART MISSIONS plays in the ministry of the local church, many would have a
hard time giving the biblical answers. So, what about you? WHAT DOES THE WORD “MISSIONS”
MEAN and WHAT EFFECTUAL PART DOES “MISSIONS” PLAY IN THE MINISTRY OF THE LOCAL
CHURCH? By reading through the Book of Acts and the Epistles of the New Testament we learn that
MISSIONS IS THE CENTRAL CORE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH AND SHOULD BE ITS PRIMARY MINISTRY
THAT IS PRAYERFULLY AND FINANCIALLY SUPPORTED BY EVERY CHILD OF GOD. I am certain that
many of you understand what I have just said, but it is also possible that some of you do not have a
biblical concept of missions. (I do not say that critically). So today for a few minutes we are going to
focus on “MISSIONS – THE MINISTRY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH.”
Sermon preached on 4/13/25 AM by Pastor Gary Dull
THE COMMAND TO GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST
“GROW IN CHRIST – GO FOR CHRIST”
2 PETER 3:18; MARK 16:15
“THE COMMAND TO GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST”
2 PETER 3:18b
“GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST”
INTRO: In the last several weeks we have been focusing our study on the admonition of the Word of God through the
Apostle Peter in 2 Peter 3:18 for every Christian to GROW IN THE GRACE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
Today we shall proceed to the second phrase of 2 Peter 3:18 that tells us to GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR
LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. It is the intent of the Holy Spirit, as He led Peter to pen these words, that EVERY
CHRISTIAN SHOULD CONSTANTLY GROW IN KNOWING JESUS CHRIST FROM THE POINT OF SALVATION TO DEATH
OR THE RAPTURE, WHICHEVER IS FIRST. WHAT DOES GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST INVOLVE, WHY
IS GROWING IN CHRIST SO SIGNIFICANT FOR BELIEVERS, AND HOW DO WE GROW IN CHRIST? This will be the
main focus of our study today.
QUESTION: AS A CHRISTIAN ARE YOU GROWING IN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST?
OBSERVATION: THE PHRASE “OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST” IS LOADED WITH CHRISTOLOGICAL
TRUTH ABOUT WHO CHRIST IS.
1) He is LORD – From the Gk. Word “KURIOS” meaning “AUTHORITY.” Jesus Christ IS THE DIVINE AUTHORITY and
should BE THE SUBMITTED AUTHORITY in every Christian’s life.
2) He is SAVIOR – From the Gk. Word “SOTER” meaning “DELIVERER.” Jesus Christ is the ONLY DELIVERER from sin – John 14:6
3) He is JESUS – From the Gk Word “IESOUS” meaning “JEHOVAH IS SALVATION.” True Salvation is only in Jehovah.
4) He is CHRIST - From the Gk Word “CHRISTOS” meaning “MESSIAH.” Jesus is the TRUE ANOINTED MESSIAH of
God to deliver from Sin.
Sermon preached on 3/23/25 PM by Pastor Gary Dull
UNDERSTANDING THE COMMAND TO GROW IN THE GRACE OF CHRIST
UNDERSTANDING THE COMMAND TO GROW IN THE GRACE OF CHRIST
2 PETER 3:18
UNDERSTANDING THE GRACE OF CHRIST INVOLVES COMPREHENDING
THE MINISTRY OF GIVING TO THE LORD
2 CORINTHIANS 8:1-9:15
INTRO: Over the past few weeks, we have been studying our 2025 church theme which is “GROW IN CHRIST –
GO FOR CHRIST.” The main texts for our series are 1 Peter 3:18, that teaches to GROW IN THE GRACE AND
KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST and Mark 16:15 that compels us to GO INTO ALL THE WORLD AND
PREACH THE GOSPEL. This means that it is God’s desire that all Christians focus on developing a greater
understanding of the BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF GRACE AND THE FULL KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST and then through
missions and evangelism, PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO THE WHOLE WORLD. Regarding the GRACE
OF GOD, GRACE is so great that according to Ephesians 2:7 we will be learning more about it throughout all of
eternity. For sure, we like talk about God’s Grace, and we love to sing about God’s Grace, but it is possible that
we often fail to understand the FULL SCOPE OF GOD’S GRACE as it is taught in the scriptures. And yet, our key
text commands us to GROW IN THE GRACE OF JESUS CHRIST (GOD). Likewise, we are to GROW IN OUR
KNOWELDGE OF CHRIST, which will also take all of eternity. So far, we have learned that GROWING IN THE
GRACE OF CHRIST (GOD) involves:
● Comprehending the ministry of Christ – BY GRACE
● Comprehending the ability for Christian Service – BY GRACE
● Comprehending the necessary strength for daily trials – BY GRACE
● Comprehending the enablement for Christian growth – BY GRACE
Today we are going to study that GROWING IN THE GRACE OF CHRIST enables us to COMPREHEND THE
MINISTRY OF GIVING TO THE WORK OF THE LORD. Our study today will take us to 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and
9 where we find the most complete teaching of giving to the Lord in all of the scripture.
Sermon preached on 3/16/25 PM by Pastor Gary Dull
GROW IN CHRIST – GO FOR CHRIST
“GROW IN CHRIST – GO FOR CHRIST”
2 PETER 3:1-18; MARK 16:15
PART ONE
INTRO: At the beginning of each year, we here at FBC normally seek God’s direction for a theme for the year
ahead. So, as the Lord has led, our theme for 2025 will be “GROW IN CHRIST – GO FOR CHRIST.” As you can
see, the theme presents quite a challenge for each of us. The reality of the theme is that AS WE GROW IN CHRIST,
WHICH IS WHAT GOD EXPECTS, WE WILL GO FOR CHRIST, WHICH IS ALSO WHAT GOD EXPECTS OF US WHO
MAKE UP HIS CHURCH. In other words, as we GROW IN CHRIST, we will naturally GO WITH THE MESSAGE OF
CHRIST. Today we will begin to focus on this theme and so let’s each of us allow the Holy Spirit to teach us that
which He would have us to know so that we can live a life of obedience in 2025.
Sermon preached on 1/12/25 PM by Pastor Gary Dull
HAVE YOU RECEIVED ALL OF YOUR GIFTS?
HAVE YOU RECEIVED ALL OF YOUR GIFTS?
INTRO: One thing we all enjoy is THE RECEIVING OF GIFTS! We receive gifts for Christmas, for birthdays, for
Anniversaries, and for all sorts of special occasions, which brings joy to our hearts. But the question is: HAVE YOU
RECEIVED ALL OF YOUR GIFTS? I am sure you have received a lot of gifts down through the years, but you know, it
is possible to have EVERY GIFT THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER, but if you do not have the VERY BEST GIFT OR
THE ULTIMATE GIFT FROM GOD, THEN ALL THE OTHER GIFTS WILL HAVE BEEN IN VAIN! In James
1:17, the Bible teaches us that God is the source of every good and perfect gift, and today we shall deal with that.
ULTIMATE GIFT GOD HAS JUST FOR YOU! FOLKS, THIS IS A GIFT YOU NEED AND YOU CANNOT LIVE
WITHOUT!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“EVERY GOOD GIFT AND EVERY PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE, AND COMETH DOWN FROM THE
FATHER OF LIGHTS, WITH WHOM IS NO VARIABLENESS, NEITHER SHADOW OF TURNING.”
JAMES 1:17
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sermon preached on 1/5/25 PM by Pastor Gary Dull